Human waste may be seeping into some NM rivers

FARMINGTON, N.M. (KRQE) – A disturbing and dangerous discovery in several northwestern New Mexico rivers.

According the Farmington Daily Timesresults of tests done last year by the San Juan Watershed Group revealed bacteria from human waste may be seeping into the Animas, La Plata, and San Juan rivers in New Mexico and Colorado.

Tests for E. coli in water in Colorado met state standards but tests conducted in the Farmington area were positive for human bacteria found in feces.

The group believes the contamination is occurring downstream in New Mexico from septic systems or illegal dumping.